Take a look at all the posts on this site for "Pre-Production" "Casting" and "Producing." This post specifically is a list of resources for line producing and unit production managers in creating and producing short films.
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Casting may be the most important thing a director does in prepping for a film shoot. If you're unsure about how to cast someone for a role, hire a casting director. Casting Breakdown Put out a casting breakdown for your project. You can either post this at school, email it out to actors you know, put it on social media where actors may see it, or even try posting it on a casting website such as Stage Source (requires subscription to be able to post). The key to creating a casting breakdown is to post a sentence or two about each character in the project. This gives actors a chance to figure out if the audition would be worth their time. Remember that most actors take time out of their lives to work on short films for free. Show respect for them and their time. NOTE: The independent version above (to the right) does not describe or list each role. I would recommend describing the characters you're looking for in order to mentally prepare your actors. Pulling Sides (From Your Script) Once you have a list of all the characters you need to cast in your film, now you need to pull scenes from your script for your actors to read as samples. You cannot have every actor read your entire script in the audition (that would take forever and be cruel to everyone involved…including you). Instead, pull just one or two scenes for each actor that would show their range. Sample Scene Breakdowns
(Optional) On the first page of each scene breakdown, make sure to include a brief summary of your overall project. Also include a brief synopsis of the scene. Tell the actors quickly what is happening, what the tone is, and any additional information they may need to perform to your expectations. Setting up Your Audition #1: You're going to need a space. Choose a basic or bland location for your casting that is NOT your home. Remember that strangers are going to come to your casting call. You never know who will show up. And, you don't want everyone to know where you sleep. It is best to choose a location where there is a main room and then a hallway where actors can wait for their turn. The main room is where you will have actors run the scenes. #2: You're going to need a friend. When every actor shows up for your casting call, make sure there is someone there to check people in. When an actor shows up, they need to know (and always ask) multiple things: An Audition Form gives actors something to do while they wait. You can ask them any number of questions. I previously shot a film about LGBT issues, so I asked my actors who arrived what their thoughts were on this issue. I was really impressed with the depth of what some actors shared.
#3: Schedule Individual Audition Times There is so much work that goes into auditions and few people really do it audition right. You want actors to come and be impressed by the operation you're running. If you like them for a part, you want them to still be interested in working with you as a director. A. Make a UNIQUE EMAIL ADDRESS for the film (or just for casting the film) B. Use an online APPOINTMENT MAKING APP where actors can sign-up for times C. Email people directly and sign them up in a spreadsheet of your own NOTE: The advantage to assigning audition slots for individual actors is so that you're not sitting around for three or four hours multiple nights a week when actors can only come at a specific time. This also shows your actors that you respect their time. Plan to have about five people come per half-hour. #4: Have a Reader Have someone else there to read through the scenes with the actors so you (the director) can be present and engaged in the actor's performance. #5: Record the Auditions Really basic recording of an audition will be super helpful. Later you can always look back at these and really get a sense of how your character will come to life. #6: Give the Actor Notes (to see how they can make adjustments) This person came in and gave you their time and attention. If you see promise in something they've given you then make sure to give a note or two for them to adjust their performance, only if they're close. Do not give mindless notes. This is an audition, not a rehearsal. #7: End on a High Note! Don't promise anyone anything! Just say, "Thank you for coming in, today. We'll be getting in touch with everyone by next week." Keep it upbeat!
Many think that it's easy to write an award-winning book, take a beautiful photograph, or making a blockbuster movie. But those people truly have no idea how hard any of these things are to do well. The Wizard of Oz (1939)
Building a Schedule What does a film production schedule look like?
How to Schedule Low-Budget Short Films
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